Nadda: WHO Fitness Report on India Based on Limited Data

Nadda: WHO Fitness Report on India Based on Limited Data

WHO Report on Physical Fitness in India Based on Limited Data: Nadda

New Delhi: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda addressed concerns about the WHO's recent report, which claimed that half of India's adult population is physically unfit. According to Nadda, the report relied on data collected solely from three states and one Union Territory, which were then extrapolated through a modelling technique, indicating potential methodological issues.

WHO's Definition and Methodology:

  • The WHO defines 'sufficient physical activity' as engaging in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activities per week, such as brisk walking or lifting light loads, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activities like running or playing outdoor games.
  • This activity level is based on self-reported responses about physical activities lasting at least 10 minutes.

ICMR Study Findings:

  • In 2014, the ICMR undertook a study called 'Physical Activity and Inactivity Patterns in India' as part of the first phase of the ICMR-INDIAB Study.
  • The study found that 54.4% of the sampled adult population were insufficiently physically active.
  • The data was collected from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

WHO and Lancet Article:

  • Based on the ICMR-INDIAB Study (Phase 1) data, the WHO, in collaboration with Lancet, published an article indicating an increase in insufficient physical activity among Indians from 22.3% in 2000 to 49.4% in 2022.
  • Nadda pointed out that the WHO's report relied on extrapolated results through modelling, highlighting potential methodological issues in the projections to 2030.

Global Context and India's Response:

  • The WHO's Global Status Report on Physical Activity 2022 also examined inactivity among adults in several high-income countries, including the USA (33.7%), Canada (37.2%), and Japan (44.7%).
  • The Indian government promotes health and fitness through nationwide movements like the 'Fit India Movement,' encouraging people to stay healthy and active.
  • Various activities for healthy living, including physical activities, are promoted through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), Nadda added.

The Indian government's focus remains on health promotion and raising awareness to address physical inactivity and improve the overall health of the population.